Further tools

Here I listed some ways to start studying the Bible more. It was a message addressed to women, but the same goes for men. I wish also to recommend some further works, geared toward those who prepare Bible studies. Calvin’s work is indispensable. For those who would prefer it in print form, go here. There are lost of helpful comments here from Reformed writers. This set is a steal at this price. For the OT, this is also a steal. I always read these commentaries (among many others), when I prepare a sermon. This is a bit pricey: get individual volumes from this. See my commentary recommendations for which are good. This is an excellent deal, with many fine volumes indeed. For more background information on the NT, go here. Only two OT volumes are out: Pentateuch, and Historical. These can be found cheaper here. My seminary bookstore will match any internet price on something they have in stock.

But to get a bigger idea of Scriptural truth, we need more than just exegetical works. We also need systematic theology. Turretin is masterful. Murray is also very helpful. Calvin, of course, is essential. Hodge is suprisingly easy to read and helpful. And that is the best price you’ll find anywhere. Bavinck is also important: here, here, and here. Volume 4 will be out sometime this year, Lord-willing. For those wanting to study the Dutch tradition, Ursinus is absolutely foundational, in addition to Bavinck, listed above. Last, but not least, read Muller. He destroys the tired, old “Calvin versus the Calvinists” school, in addition to telling us about scores of Reformed authors who were amazing scholars, but strangely have not been translated.

Books I have recently read

Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens; Justification, by John Fesko; The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan; Recovering the Reformed Confessions, by Scott Clark; Brief Outline of Theology, by Friedrich Schleiermacher; Principles of Sacred Theology, by Abraham Kuyper

Books I am now reading

Exodus commentaries; Matthew commentaries; Turretin's Institutes of Elenctic Theology; Baker's new history of the church

Books for future reading

Turretin's Institutes; Joseph Caryl on Job, German encyclopedias of theology